Start TAFE Now (STN)

After submitting your application, it is important that you monitor the email you used to submit your application. This email will be sent essential correspondence throughout the application process. You will receive your Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) test invitation link promptly after submitting your application to this email. 

If our admission team requires additional information from you they will connect through this email and the email addresses of your school and parent/guardian as listed on your Authorisation Form.

You are able to amend your contact information in your MYCQU student portal or by calling 13 27 86.

CQUniversity does not recommend submitting multiple STN course applications unless you intend to study both courses during high school. Eligible STN students can only access VETiS funding for one eligible qualification as such you will be required to pay full fee for any additional courses you may wish to study while in high school.

We know that getting off to good start in any study is a great predictor for success, and Start TAFE Now is no exception. Here are our tips:

• Know why you are doing this course – Everyone has different reasons and ways they go about choosing courses (and most things in life!). Even if this course was initially chosen for you, rather than by you, think about how it aligns with your strengths, interests, and career aspirations.  Knowing why you are doing this course – the purpose of it for you and how it will shape your life – will help you succeed, in particular during times when you might feel that is difficult.
• Ask for help when you need to – One of the biggest differences between high school and TAFE/Uni study is that with the latter you often need to be the one who asks for help.  It isn’t always just handed to you.  Having said that here at CQUni there is always someone to help.  Whether that it is asking our friendly Start TAFE Now (STN) team (stn@cqu.edu.au) about your application, BKSB, enrolment or completion, your teacher about all of your learning and assessment, our IT team (TaSAC) for any tech issues you may face or any of our student support services.  Asking for help with something you don’t know will get you closer to completing your course – don’t ever hesitate to ask.
• Have your resources ready to go – Read your CQU communications (make sure check your CQU email account often) prior to your course commencing, as well as listen carefully to what you are told on your first day.  Most courses will require some type of resource that is different to what you need for school, whether it is a pair of steel-capped boots or a type of software.  Do not delay in getting what you need to get your course done, and if you are stuck, refer to the above point (ask for help!).
• Know your schedule and get into a routine – The schedule will be different for each course.  Some of you will have a day each school week when you are on campus; some of you will get to choose when you get online and engage with the learning material.  Either way, set and know your schedule, and remember to lock in time to complete your assessment as well.  The better planned you are and the sooner you get into a good study routine, the better.
• Finally, do not forget to read and refer back to your Start TAFE Now Preparation for Term Guide which you will receive prior to classes commencing.

By completing a Start TAFE Now course you will receive credit (points) towards your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). You earn different points depending on what course level you complete. Students can receive up to 8 credits per course towards their QCE, for information regarding the different Start TAFE Now QCE points refer to the Start TAFE Now Guide.

The Basic Key Skills Builder (bksb) is a Maths, English and Digital Literacy assessment tool. Once completed, you will be assigned an Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) level. The ACSF level is then used to provide you with advice around the course of study and to identify if Maths and English support is required. You are required to complete the BKSB on your own.

High school students can choose from several suitable Start TAFE Now courses, with a full list available on our Start TAFE Now Course Options webpage. Not all courses allow for high school student applications, so it is best to review the published course list.

Students should refer to their School VET Coordinator, Careers Counsellor or relevant school contact to discuss their SET plan and class timetable.

Homeschooled applicants are eligible to apply for STN and potentially access VETiS funding provided they meet all other eligibility criteria. Homeschooled applicants are required to submit their completed and signed Start Now Study Authorisation Form including the applicable Authority (Home Education Unit or Distance Education Authority). Additionally, homeschooled applicants will need to provide with their application a Confirmation of Registration Letter if registered under the Home Education Unit. 

Several STN courses are only offered to high school students and not to mainstream applicants. It is important to liaise with your school (teacher title contacts) to determine if you can reasonably complete your chosen course while in high school. Some courses may allow you to continue as a mainstream student. To do this you must submit a Start TAFE Now Cancellation Form and apply for your course again as a mainstream student. For further information about if your course is offered to mainstream students, please contact 13 27 86.

The Start TAFE Now (STN) Student Conduct Policy and Procedure outlines the steps to take if students are absent from class, specifies the expectations for their conduct, and explains how cases of misconduct are managed.

At the start of 2026 the Queensland Government will be launching a new Career Ready funding program to replace the current VETiS program. For more details, please visit the Department of Trade, Employment and Training website.

If you no longer wish to proceed with your STN course, please ensure you first discuss this with your parent/guardian and school. To cancel your course, you must complete the Start TAFE Now Cancellation Form.

Please note that if you are a fee paying student, it is important that you review the Student Refund & Credit Balance Policy and Procedure with your parent/guardian prior to requesting course cancellation. If you are unsure if you have been admitted as a fee paying student, please review your welcome email, which will detail your fee type. The TAFE Academic Calendar will provide details on the last day to cancel without financial liability based on the intake/s you are enrolled in. 

We're here to support you throughout your STN journey. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at stn@cqu.edu.au.

If a student misses the application deadline, they’ll need to wait until the next intake. For Start TAFE Now, many courses only run once a year, so applying early is essential if you want a place in a specific course. Having a consistent start date helps ensure all students begin together, receive the same support, and don’t miss important early lessons - which may include assessments. It also allows teachers to prepare and teach effectively so all students have the best chance to succeed from day one. Missing the start of a course can mean missing key learnings, induction activities, and important safety or course information. 

If you have withdrawn from your STN course before completing it, you may still be able to access your academic transcript and statement of attainment. 

For more details, please visit CQU Academic Awards webpage.  If you have questions or concerns, you can contact us online or call 13 27 86.